Summer In McDowell - Things to do in McDowell County NC

Fun in the Water in McDowell County

Marion Splash Pad

Nothing is more fun than a splash pad! Relax as your kids coll down in this summer heat, running in and out of the water jets, making friends and getting wet, while you relax in the comfortable and shady covered area.

Water fun just off Main Street!

The playground and tennis courts may be currently closed, but the splash pad is definitely open for fun and frolics in a designated area safe for children to have fun in the water.

Fishing on Mill Creek - Free Tackle Rental

https://www.mgmnc.org

Go Fishing today - Mountain Gateway Museum loans out free tackle for fishing inthe Catawba River.

Old Fort's Mountain Gateway Museum offers a free tackle-loaner program, made available through the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. visitors can leave their driver's license, car keys, or some other type of collateral at the museum's front desk and check out a rod and reel and some lures to fish in the creek for up to three hours.

Participants are responsible for obtaining a fishing license, which can be done online, and observing the NC Wildlife Resources Commission's catch-and-release schedule.

Old Fort Pool

Come on down, and take a swim at the Old Fort Pool this week, enjoying the amazing surroundings, and fantastic swimming fun!

Across Catawba River Road from Lindley Park is the Old Fort Pool.

This facility is open during the summer months for recreational swimming and pool parties.

Pool opens when the schools begin their summer vacation.

Prices are $3 adults, and $2 children

Come along and have some fun in the sun at the pool!

Mountain Paradise Water Park

Visit the Mountain Paradise Water Slide this week, enjoy thrills and fun of the water-slide and pool in this beautiful weather!

Mountain Paradise Water Slide, Swimming Pool, Miniature Golf Putt Putt and Campground have been in business since 1985.

Located on Hwy 221 North, they are located just North of Marion and just south of Linville Caverns.

When you make it a day of outdoor adventure, include Mountain Paradise Waterslide in your plans.

Prices:

Swim only - $6 per person (adults and children)

Swim and either putt putt or slide - $10 per person

Swim, putt putt, and slide - $12 per person

We're open from the 25th May all through the summer!

Paddy's Creek on Lake James

Why not enjoy the best of the beach this week, right here in McDowell County! Take a trip to Lakes James Paddy's Creek, where you can swim, feel the sand between your toes, have a grill-out picnic, camp out under the stars, and take a family hike too!

Paddy's Creek (part of the Lake James State Park) has a protected swim area, with a bathhouse, and changing areas, as well as a concession stand.

Lifeguards are usually on patrol, and when a lifeguard is on duty a fee is charged.

The area also has camping facilities and a kid friendly walking trail.

Swim Area open 10am - 6pm

May 1 through September 30

Prices:

When lifeguard is on duty - $4 (kids 12 and under) $6 (13 and over)

Free to swim when no lifeguard is on duty (no lifeguard schedule is available)

Marion Recreation Center Pool

How about taking a swim at the Marion Recreation Center this week? Exercise has never been this much fun! It's a wonderful family activity - make your plans today!

The Marion Recreation Center, close to the library in downtown Marion, offers an outdoor pool for family fun!

Pool opens when the schools begin their summer vacation.

Prices are $3 adults, and $2 children

Come along and have some fun in the sun at the pool!